The document discusses concerns about children's safety on the internet. It notes that many young children interact with strangers online and see inappropriate content without parental supervision. Teenagers also commonly share personal information or hide their online activities. One in five children who use chatrooms has been approached by pedophiles, and 4% of youth internet users receive aggressive sexual solicitations. The document outlines steps that organizations like the FBI and FCC take to protect children and the importance of parental involvement in monitoring children's internet use.
1. Children and the Internet The Internet has made our lives easier in many ways, but its anonymity and accessibility have fostered a world where children are susceptible to criminal activity.
4. Starting Young *48% of kindergartener-1st graders interact with people on websites *50% of these children are not being watched by their parents *48% of these children reported that they saw online content that made them uncomfortable - ¼ of these children did not tell anyone
5. Teens are Kids, Too 93% of all Americans between 12 and 17 years old use the Internet 63% of teens say that they know how to hide what they do online from their parents 52% of teens have given out personal information to someone they did not know (personal photos, physical descriptions, etc.)
7. Online Predators Surprisingly explicit Trying to develop counter-intelligence One in five children who use computer chatrooms has been approached over the Internet by pedophiles 4% of all youth Internet users received aggressive sexual solicitations
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9. From Perverted Justice Keith Aaron Prather Conviction: Initially only received probation, but after violating probation received a 6 year sentence thenewperson62 (7/15/2006 2:14:04 AM): would u let me f*** u jackies2cool4u (7/15/2006 2:14:17 AM): yeah jackies2cool4u (7/15/2006 2:14:23 AM): but im a littlescared jackies2cool4u (7/15/2006 2:14:28 AM): i heard it hurts jackies2cool4u (7/15/2006 2:14:33 AM): the first tiem jackies2cool4u (7/15/2006 2:14:35 AM): time thenewperson62 (7/15/2006 2:14:43 AM): a litle but u will likeit thenewperson62 (7/15/2006 2:15:00 AM): i will be easy on you serious thenewperson62 (7/15/2006 2:16:36 AM): i showed u my d*** on cam
12. FBI “…to identify and thwart online sexual predators who use the Internet to meet and exploit children and to produce, possess, or share child pornography”
13. Children’s Internet Protection Actfrom the Federal Communications Commission addresses concerns about access to offensive content over the Internet on school and library computers
14. Parental Involvement Many guides offer warning signs, preventative tips, facts, and frequently asked questions
There are always be issues regarding children’s safety. When we were children, we received the lectures on never getting into cars with strangers, wearing bike helmets, holding hands to cross the street, and learning the stop drop and roll.
However, as technology has developed, parents are facing new safety concerns for their children. While our parents did not have to face problems concerning the Internet, today’s parents must be aware of their children’s computer activity, because its accessibility and anonymity make it easy for children to get into compromising situations.
As Internet use becomes increasingly widespread, its audience becomes younger and younger. (Read Stats)
Though teenagers often view themselves as mature adults, the reality (and law) is that they are children until the age of 18. At an age when social interaction seems like the most important aspect of one’s life, many teenagers use the Internet, the source of social networking and communication. With the accessibility of personal information on websites such as Facebook and Myspace, teenagers can easily become victimized my online predators.
This is the number of registered sex offenders in the United States.
which threatened to spill over into "real life". These solicitors asked to meet the youth in person, called them on the telephone, or sent offline mail, money, or gifts. Also 4 percent of youth Internet users had distressing
The FBI has a four-fold cyber mission to fight cyber crimes. The second part of its mission pertains directly to childhood cyber crimes. The fact that the FBI has adopted its own cyber mission and has implemented cyber crime fighting teams, shows how technology’s evolution causes a necessary social (and political) evolution.
Ensures that schools receiving funding for their Internet have proper Internet protection (for example, blocking pornography). Must enforce a policy to monitor minors’ online activities. Must adopt and implement an Internet safety policy.
Warning Signs: Children spending a lot of time online, particularly at night, child receiving phone calls or gifts from people you don’t know, child is withdrawn from familyPrevention Tips: Keep computer in public room, communicate with child, utilize parental controls
Enough.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to making the Internet a safer place for children and families.
